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Matthew 7: 1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Exactly what do you think Jesus was saying when He spoke these words on the Sermon on the Mount? Do we really care to understand??

I believe it is important for every follower of Christ to be aware. Aware of our surroundings. Aware of those in our lives and perhaps where they stand with Christ. A little farther down in Matthew 7, Jesus said we will know (our leaders) by their fruit. I think the same rule applies to our friends, to our families. To anyone we know, especially if we know them well. If you are living for Christ, others SHOULD be able to see Him in you. And vice versa.

So, Jesus told us not to judge. Not to be judgmental. I think He is pleading with us to NOT follow our hearts, our human instincts, and speak poorly about those around us who fail. To drag someone through the mud when they make a mistake. By the way, EVERYONE makes mistakes. But it is in our nature to do judge. Especially if it might be one with whom we do not agree. We sit back. We wait. And, when certain people fail, we yell it from the mountaintops, as if to say “I TOLD YOU SO!!!” Friends, that is just wrong.

The funny thing (it’s not really funny) about this is, when someone takes an opportunity to pronounce judgment on another, life usually has a way of bringing that back around. You see, we all make mistakes. NONE of us is perfect. And it might just be by the grace of God that you and I are surviving right now!! Galatians 6 warns all of us to not be deceived. We will reap what we sow!!

Our nation has been through several heart-breaking, life-shattering situations just in the past four days. Our passions tempt us to jump to conclusions and speak words that might bring us momentary relief. But those same words might do far more damage to others than we can imagine.

Perhaps, instead of sitting in the seat Judgey McJudgerson (name credited to my favorite Jedi, Sandra King), we should just LOVE and PRAY. I KNOW that is what JESUS would do. What He wants US to do. And, I’ll bet if you know Him, you know that as well.